Why do birds suddenly disappear?

Have you noticed that the dawn chorus is a bit quieter lately? Or that there seems to be less birdsong in our gardens? Don't worry. It's quite normal. 

Basically, the birds are having a bit of me time. They've spent the first part of the year courting, nestbuilding, breeding, laying, feeding and fledging their young. Now, during July and August, they take time out to conserve their energies. They also use this time to undergo their annual moult. 

Moulting involves preening out the old damaged feathers and allowing time for new ones to grow. The annual moult does mean that a bird's ability to fly is slightly hampered and they are more vulnerable than usual. Which is another reason why they hide away and stay quiet for a while. 

Feathers are wonderful things – remarkably strong but they are not indestructible. They wear out, just as our clothes do, and must be replaced. It's why, apart from the quiet, you'll find quite a few feathers on the ground when out walking. This big one, I suspect, is from a red kite, which are as common as pigeons around these parts. Though it could be from a buzzard - we see a few of those too.

And in case you're not familiar with red kites, here are a few photos I've snapped over the past few years in my back garden. They're always to be seen, circling on warm thermals high above. Plus, they nest in trees in the woods around my house. 

They're basically scavengers, which is why you don't see much roadkill around here. They also appreciate a treat, such as an old chicken carcase, and I used to put them out on the back lawn (which is how I got two of the photos below). However, the birds are becoming a bit of a pest - like herring gulls are on the coast - and, increasingly, there are tales of them stealing meat off barbecue tables or, as Mrs C experienced, stealing our dog's bone from right next to where she was sunning herself. So we're now encouraged not to feed them.

They are beautiful birds though and you can't hate them for wanting a bit of food.

So, yes, it's a bit quiet at the moment.

But, don't worry, the birds will soon be back in all their tweeting, twerping, trilling, cheeping, cawing, chirruping, screeching glory.